A Glass Full of Water

Why do bad things happen to good people? Last year there was a ‘smash and grab’ raid on our local Superette in Raglan. Angry and supportive messages filled the community Facebook pages. Photos of the mess and damage were alarming and it wasn’t the first time the shop had been targeted like this. The owners are  a delightful, hard working, kind couple.   The following day after the raid I visited the shop and had a chat with the owner. Remarkably, the mess had been cleaned up and most of the damage was fixed. He was deeply touched with the love and practical support from locals.  The offenders also raided the Te Uku General Store. There was less damage inflicted on the store due to the owner being on site and scaring them off. I spoke with one of the shop staff members and encouraged them as best I could. Surely my class could do something to help.  After discussing the facts of what had occurred with my students we then explored how the owner and staff would be feeli...

In my early days of teaching at a northland primary school, we used to live next door to a family that belonged to an ultra conservative church/cult. The children had to abide by many strict rules. No television was on the long list. Some rules are meant to be broken, so sometimes we would move our TV next to a big window that faced the families back yard. The volume was turned up and windows opened so the children could see and hear some cartoons or a nature documentary. It wasn’t too long before they would be sitting on their lawn, enjoying being part of a wider world. POINTS to PONDER Being kind can help to break down rules and regulations that bind people to cultish nonsense, that is the antithesis to kindness. Be willing to take some measured risks in helping others. Asking for permission might mean nothing is done. If you’re not sure what to do, follow your heart.

  Walking through Raglan I noticed a jogger stretching at a bus stop. He had a worried look on his face, so I asked him if he was OK.  “Just waiting for a friend,” he replied. I walked past him and carried on my way.  A few seconds later he called out to me, “Thanks for asking!”  “You’re welcome!” I called back.  I smile when I recall and share that moment, because caring, encouraging words have the potential to be empowering and appreciated. POINTS to PONDER Be aware of people around you. If an opportunity to care comes up, take it. Your moment of caring can make a difference in someone’s life. Mean your words if and when you ask if they are ok or a similar sentiment. Listen carefully to their answer. Caring can create connection between people and that has to be a good thing.

Val and I were beginning a drive to Auckland. I noticed an elderly man waiting on the side of a road in Hamilton East. Perhaps nothing out of the ordinary. Val noticed him too. “There’s something about that man that doesn’t seem right. Let’s go back and see if he’s ok.” Val smiled. We turned around and parked a few metres away from him. He hadn’t moved at all and was unsteady on his feet. I cautiously approached him and introduced myself. “Hi I’m Steve. What’s your name?” In a quiet voice he replied, “John.” We chatted for a minute or so. “You look like you want to go somewhere.” John nodded. I noticed a sign behind him that said ******** Rest Home “You want to escape, don’t you John.” He nodded again. “Do you want to go over the road to the dairy?” A thumbs up sign from John confirmed that indeed he did.  I took him gently by the arm and we very slowly inched towards the curb till we were on the edge of the road. Val was watching intently and asked me, “Do you want me to stop the ...